Ethically Determining the Authorship of Health Science Research Publications: A Scoping Review

Authors

  • Mohammad Mahbub Ur Rahim Coordinator (Research, Planning and Development) Dept, Grand Health Sector, TMSS
  • Md. Kaoser Bin Siddique Research, Planning and Development Dept, Health Sector, TMSS
  • Salome Rahim Coordinator (Nursing Development), Grand Health Sector, TMSS, Bogura, Bangladesh.
  • Md. Matiur Rahman Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Health Sector'

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62865/bjbio.v15i1.93

Abstract

Authorship is a significant aspect of scientific research publications, serving as a primary means of acknowledging the intellectual contributions of individuals and shaping career trajectories. However, determining authorship ethically and fairly in health science research remains a complex and multifaceted issue. This scoping review aims to explore the existing literature surrounding ethical considerations associated with authorship determination in health science research publications. A scoping review methodology was employed to search relevant databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science) for studies published between 1989 and 2023. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed that ethical authorship practices in health science research are complex and multifaceted. This review emphasized how crucial it is to have precise rules and guidelines for deciding who is the author in academic journals, research institutes, and societies. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) has published several ethical principles to address the difficulties associated with authorship determination. Still, there are differences and disagreements in how these rules are interpreted and applied, which could present moral enigmas. The review also examines new ethical issues arising from multidisciplinary and collaborative research, such as the responsibilities of industry collaborations and funding, shared authorship, and acknowledging the contributions of other groups. Maintaining the integrity of health science research and encouraging responsible collaboration requires making sure that authorship determination is transparent, equitable, and accountable. According to the common census, key ethical considerations include:

  • Authorship should be based on substantial contributions to the research project.
  • Authors should be transparent about their contributions and accountable for the content of the publication.
  • Ghost authorship, where individuals who have made significant contributions are not listed as authors, and gift authorship, where individuals who have not made significant contributions are included as authors, are unethical practices.
  • Authors should disclose any conflicts of interest that could influence their judgment or interpretation of the research findings.

Keywords: The search terms included "authorship," "ethics," "health science research," "publication," and "scoping review."

Author Biographies

Mohammad Mahbub Ur Rahim, Coordinator (Research, Planning and Development) Dept, Grand Health Sector, TMSS

Md. Kaoser Bin Siddique, Research, Planning and Development Dept, Health Sector, TMSS

MPH, MSS, BPT.

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0336-2694

Salome Rahim, Coordinator (Nursing Development), Grand Health Sector, TMSS, Bogura, Bangladesh.

Md. Matiur Rahman, Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Health Sector'

PhD, MPH, MBBS. Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Health Sector TMSS, Bogura, Bangladesh

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6179-3372

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Published

2024-03-19

How to Cite

1.
Rahim MMU, Siddique MKB, Rahim S, Rahman MM. Ethically Determining the Authorship of Health Science Research Publications: A Scoping Review. BJBio [Internet]. 2024 Mar. 19 [cited 2025 Jan. 26];15(1):16-21. Available from: http://bjbio.bioethics.org.bd/index.php/BJBio/article/view/93

Issue

Section

Review Articles